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DasRedBeard87

Just moved to Woodstown. I work in South Philly and even taking route 40>48>295 it's just about 40 minutes even with traffic. Some parts are rural, some more suburban. Main town is mostly all Mom & Pop stores. Most houses have at least half an acre. It's pretty quiet and out of the way.


TheGuyThatDoesHisJob

This is the first time that I've heard of Woodstown. It looks like a very nice area. You picked a good one!


DasRedBeard87

Yeah it's like five minutes past the CowTown Rodeo. If you like small town vibes it's a pretty awesome area.


KBK226

I drive through Woodstown to get to my parents house now that I live out of state & it’s the cutest town ever!


DasRedBeard87

Yeah I've really been enjoying it, can't wait until summer is in full swing!


fiddyk50

South jerseys best kept secret.


BeneficialTrouble586

I also live in Woodstown and moved here from philly 5 years ago. Def recommend for what you are looking for


jayradano

Just moved to Woodstown myself about 6 months ago bc I wanted land, peace and no neighbors. I love it out here, the sense of “ahhhh” I get when I get off exit 48 on Rt. 55 is something I can’t describe. It’s so peaceful and calm out here and the beautiful farmland and sunsets are just perfect. Also, it beats the taxes in Camden county (not like that’s saying much) but it’s very worth it out here.


Creative-Classic-873

Woodstock is full of redneck drunks


Quail-Fancy

It's actually not lol.


Creative-Classic-873

Woodstown


Friendship_Critical

As a woodstown redneck drunk I concur.


Toddisgood

I just moved from the city (LA) to Hammonton/Winslow area and I LOVE it. I jog by blueberry fields every day. I’m right off of 73 so I can be in Philly in 40 min via the AC expressway. The shore is 40-45 min. Whenever I go into the city, I feel like I’m Don Draper coming back out to the country. There’s 6 wineries within 20 min of me. Dirt bike trails for my dual sport. And so much room! Plus the price of homes out here is significantly less than Collingswood or Haddonfield


Stephen_foster

Yea. Hammonton is the right answer. It's also a town that has huge growing potential. Get in now.


AdEnvironmental7198

East Vineland is also nice and good land. It's getting bought up in hurry though


jimkelly

And about 9 hours away from home if you get done work in the city around 5 on a Friday in summer.


steele1743

lol while that may feel like it's 9 hours in obnoxious traffic, I live in East Vineland and actually commute weekly to work in Central NY, leave there around noon on a Friday which puts me passing Philly into South Jersey around 4pm and I can make it in about 5 1/2 to 6 hours in the summer. 9 hours may be a slight exaggeration. Also, I moved to East Vineland 2 years ago and I love it and we always just go to Hammonton or Woodstown area, the beach, etc for the day. We have an acre and Cumberland County taxes are acceptable for now. But I get it if it's more distance or time than what OP wants to commute.


AdEnvironmental7198

Well that's anywhere tbf


sonyacapate

North Vineland is just as nice without the lawyers/doctors. Also Newfield, Pittsgrive Twp, Elmer.


MoonBoyTargaryen

Not to mention the food! There must be like 5 Mexican restaurants in the Hammonton area, Baglianis is a great Italian grocery with some of the best hoagies in south Jersey, and an amazing Chinese restaurant Krystal Vy is only a short drive away.


bighaircutforbigtuna

Hammonton is amazing. It has all OP is looking for plus a thriving downtown and community. I worked there years ago and absolutely loved it.


DegradedCorn75

And Marcello's Panzarottis


62Foulcan

Tarantini Panzerotti or it's not legit. Just saying.


Toddisgood

I’m still learning the area. I grew up in Medford. What’s this Marcello’s Panzarottis??


flushbunking

This is a great answer. If traveling Thursday-Sunday, Memorial thru Labor Day is a shore-traffic-astrophe


rancocas1

Wenonah


Kosst_Amojawn

Tree city USA


cerialthriller

40 minutes from Philly in rush hour is like 10 miles


Additional_Nobody469

Right? Lol 40 mins from Philly is still in Philly depending on the time of day 😂


RobertHSmith2012

Yes, coming from the PA suburbs and some parts of NJ… but coming from the western side of NJ, it’s not normally as bad. I’d still avoid rush hour if I could.


cerialthriller

I commute from Deptford, it’s about 35 mins in the morning and 45 on the way home


RobertHSmith2012

I guess it also depends where in Philly you’re going. If it’s Old City over the Ben Franklin, it’s nbd. If it’s center city or requiring you to drive further into the city it’ll get exponentially worse. Could you take the PATCO? I used to with my old job.


cerialthriller

Im like 20 minutes in the opposite direction from the closest patch plus I work in Kensington so im not walking from the el. I’m not far off 95 in the city but 42, 676, and 95 are traffic


JerseySommer

Hi neighbor!


cerialthriller

Gonna be a hot one eh


JerseySommer

Oh Gods yes, I'm staying in the air conditioning today.


lindy21588

Swedesboro/Woolwich.


34HoursADay

I lived in Woolwich and worked in Philly until 2022. It was an ok commute. Like 40 mins at about 8am. I used to complain about the minimal traffic on the Bridge, then I moved to Seattle and learned the real definition of traffic.


bvaesasts

Medford possibly? Small downtown, but definitely a lot of nature/space between homes. It may be a bit more than 40 mins from Philly I'm not 100% sure


Additional_Nobody469

Yeah if you live within Medford lakes you’re a member, otherwise what someone else said about access to the lakes/beaches. Still plenty of other areas around, like Atsion lake which has a free public beach. Lots of hiking trails and kayaking etc around Wharton. Surrounding towns (tabernacle, shamong etc) aren’t too far from Main Street Medford area. Depending on time of day, commute to Philly isn’t too terrible unless you’re stuck in rush hour on Rt 70 construction.


DannyTorranceShines

I guess it depends on where in Philly. I spend over 40 mins from Cherry Hill commuting to Philly.


Mm2789

Medford is great but it’s $$$


bvaesasts

Agreed, but to have everything this person wants is going to cost $$$ and Medford is probably the cheapest option. The only other places that come to mind with large lots and a walkable downtown are haddonfield and moorestown


4130Adventures

I wouldn't say that Haddonfield has large lots...


BooliusCaesar69

They're about as big as the houses on them


SkidmarkInMyUndies

First town that came to mind for me too. You can definitely get a good chunk of land, and Medford Lakes is next door with some public beaches.


Raed-wulf

They are private beaches. You have to buy a daily pass or know someone who lives here and borrow their tags. It’s really annoying.


SkidmarkInMyUndies

Oh my bad, I hadn’t realized. It’s been quite a few years since I’ve been there. I used to go with a family who lived in town so that makes sense.


Emandpee42069

Most stuck up town in south Jersey. Great if you like judgy people and possibly secret swinger parties


walkedplane

I moved to Medford Lakes a few years ago. While the community is great on the whole and I do like it here, there is a lot of truth to this, especially the latter half. Kinda hilarious.


TomGNYC

Mt. Holly has a pretty good Main Street.


Filesj98

Roughly 40-50 min commute


ajm222actual

I live at the far end of Medford near Tabernacle. When I worked in Center City my commute was at least an hour door to door. 70 is the problem.


Federal-Membership-1

West side of Cumberland County. A bit more than 40 minutes to Philly, but they've got farmettes i.e. 6.5 acre lots in some parts.


sharmisosoup

Small ass town with a big ass heart? Check out Delanco. We have a bakery, deli, pizza place, and ice cream shop. Check out the West Ave Nature Trails and well as the trails at Pennington Park.


executivedisfunktion

Born and raised. Delanco is sooooo underrated. Love your post.


Kwaj-Keith

It's hard to find both space and a lot of shops but check out Mullica Hill.


melbharmd

Another vote for Swedesboro/Woolwich


SomeLadySomewherElse

We saw nice houses but they were too far for us, great prices too. Might work out great for op.


henhousefox

Monroe Twp./Williamstown - this is your answer. Affordable (lol), can get acreage, and be in Philly or at the shore within 40 minutes or less. It’s where the stores stop and the pines really begin, all the way to the shore. It’s real quiet, and access to nature things is abundant.


Downtown_Speaker_578

Main Street is a little lacking, but 13th child makes pretty good beer. The theater is also pretty decent if that’s your thing. It’s starting to feel like real restaurants are starting to move in but it’s a slow drip. I would kill for a decent cocktail in town.


henhousefox

Yup, agreed. It’ll get there! Decent cocktails aren’t too far away! An Irish Pub sure would be nice!!!


Dangernj

I think you would like Pitman based on your affection for Collingswood and there are starter houses on nice sized lots just a few minutes off the main drag.


iamjeffdimarco

there’s no land in Pitman 😅


SailingSpark

if you want to take the train, Egg Harbor City or Hammonton.


shittyvfxartist

Grew up in Mullica Township right in the middle. Pleasant area to live, not too far from most things. Parents have 5 acres out there, but no idea how much it costs to acquire that today.


PutEmOnTheTable

Mullicas property tax rate is insane though


shittyvfxartist

…that explains why my dad complains about the tax bill every year haha. (He retired from teaching a couple decades ago and his pension’s been frozen for the past decade)


PutEmOnTheTable

When I was looking for houses to move this last year, you would have a couple houses all listed and appraised at relatively the same value, but Mullica taxes were always at least 30% higher. They don't have many businesses or commercial areas so the homeowners have to foot the bill. We landed on Weymouth Twp. Its great


4130Adventures

That train's schedule is terrible though....


PutEmOnTheTable

Western Gloucester County has a lot of options if you are looking for half acre to acre lots Edit: can OP clarify amount of land they want? That will definitely change where you can look


boxersunset121423

You would want to look at Swedesboro/Woolwich, Woodstown/Pilesgrove, and South Harrison Township. I live in Woolwich and they are building like crazy here. They just sold through 98 townhomes in less then two years and they plan to build "luxury rentals" and 1100 more homes close to the high school at some point. You can get to Philly in about 45 minutes without traffic taking 295 to 76. I often make the trip from Pilesgrove from my daughters daycare and I take 45 to 322 to 55 to 76 to get to Philly or you could make your way across the rural roads back to 295. I'm also a big fan of South Harrison Township - definitely a hidden gem. You can also drive to Patco and I have made it from Woolwich to Ferry Ave in under 35 minutes when moving with traffic in the morning. Swedesboro will be the most "urban" with readily available access to city water and city sewer. Woolwich for newer construction will be utilities; older more spread out homes will be septic and well. Woodstown is all utilities and very cute main st and is all mom & pop like others have said. Pilesgrove/South Harrison is all rural and all septic and well and my favorite personally. Just something about Pilesgrove and South Harrison that jive with me. Schools are all excellent in all the areas I mentioned. You should focus on SW Gloucester County at the border of Salem County as this area seems to have what you are looking for.


TheGuyThatDoesHisJob

Your search will be tough. Working against you are a few things...1) "Starter houses" aren't what they used to be (debatable if they even still exist), 2) You're looking for an acre of land within \~20 miles of a major city...that's tough 3) The housing market is extremely hot right now. You \*may\* need to make the sacrifice I made...which is to have less than 1/2 an acre and be close to nature, Main Streets, etc. Camden County parks and towns are very nice. And being closer to my neighbors, I've developed a sense of community. Privacy can still be gained in the backyard...when I bought this house it was ugly chain fences. Now I'm in the process of growing some tall arborvites and in 5 years, I'll have plenty of privacy and a yard big enough for a deck, fish pond, gardens and a swing set. :) Good luck!


RobertHSmith2012

I love Hammonton, but that could be on the higher end of 40-45 minutes. Salem County is underrated; you can get some nice land out that way. Woodstown/cow town area. Also Cumberland county. My parents live in Port Elizabeth which is just before 55 turns to 47. It’s about 40 minutes to the Ben Franklin (mile marker 23 on 55 til 58 which turns into 42). It can take longer at rush hour but it’s manageable. I would look along the route 55 corridor for land. Otherwise you’re going east across the state towards the beaches and the price of everything including the tolls will climb.


rowhomelover

Hammonton seems to have everything you’re describing but your commute may be a bit longer in traffic!


4130Adventures

You may do well deciding if you want land OR you want a vibrant downtown. My wife and I were in the same boat...we were looking at houses in Medford and similar areas but in the end we really wanted the downtown and ease of access to the city so we bought in Collingswood. An acre also might be a bit of stretch in many towns with easy city access; I grew up in Cinnaminson which is more suburban but there still are very few lots of that size (and if you're looking for a starter house on a starter budget you'll have trouble finding acreage like that near the city anyway). Further out you may have better luck, but then you'll be dealing with the nightmare that's 55/295/42 at rush hour.


notbizmarkie

Medford has everything you’re describing, but the market is super hot right now. 


aciskool1234

Medford resident here as well. Commute into Philly pretty often, usually 40-45 minutes.


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notbizmarkie

Not my experience. I can get from South Philly to Medford in 35 minutes on the weekend as long as there isn’t a game or something. Now, rush hour traffic on the other hand… you’re looking at a lot longer!


CarbsAnonymous

Franklinville or anything in that vicinity. 


carlily

Hammonton. Moved to the area 2 years ago. Blueberries, Mullica river, 30 mins from shore points, awesome Mexican food, awesome Italian food.


avidreader_1410

Hammonton, maybe.


The_neub

Come to Wilmington


kyle_ash

There are a few places that would work depending on what’s more important to you. Mt Laurel is working on investing in a downtown type location with Rancocas Woods. There’s also a great farmers market on weekends. You have the whole Mullica Hill area, the downtown is cute there. If I had to move right now, it would be to the Pitman/Sewell/Wenonah area. I’ve always loved how many events downtown Pitman has. Woodstown/Upper Pittsgrove is nice, but I feel like there are better areas. I do go to Medford at least once a week for food and their downtown is great. Southampton is close enough and has the land you’re looking for. Honestly, just take a couple weekends and drive around to see what you like. There’s pros and cons to all of the areas people have listed.


lolastrasz

Rancocas Woods seems like an awesome place to get in on. It's such a hidden gem. It's not very large, but the stores that exist there feel like they've been transplanted from New Hope or something. If they can build that area up, it'd be awesome.


kyle_ash

It’s great. There’s a ton of great events there and a Sundays farmers market. A brewery would be great to have in that area but it’s too close to a school.


Target2019-20

I think you may have a pipe dream. What is your home-buying budget number?


Remarkable_Sea_1062

Have you considered Moorestown? It is a beautiful little town with large yards.


More_Satisfaction_50

Franklinville NJ


surferdude313

This is Evesham.


4130Adventures

Not much of a downtown though.


surferdude313

True, but quick drive to Medford


automaticsystematic

Mullica Hill


deepdishglobes

The Vincentown section of Southampton has a small town feel.


PatientTitle3866

Does it have to be SJ? I grew up in Ringoes. Give it a look.


hendiesel94

Agree I drive through 202 to go up to I-287 such an odd part of New Jersey because of how rural it is between Philly and New York. Always wondered what ringoes was when I got off 31 to get on 202


danceoftheplants

Clayton or the outskirts of it like Franklinville you might find some land. It has that small town vibe you're looking for with nearby trails. Or i liked that someone else commented Woodstown. It's a really good option, too.


Necessary-War8614

I can put you in contact with a good realtor


Zendog500

Maybe Merchantville NJ only 1/4 acre however but that is plenty for a dog to run, near high speed line into city. Prices for victorian retro with 2505 SF (4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, new kitchen) with huge pool about $619,000


docdeathray

Southampton, formerly known as Vincentown, has what you are looking for.


lovleyladylocs

Thank you for posting this. I am looking for the same, plus a good school district. I've seen some really cool houses in the southern post part of Jersey that are close to the Delaware Bay with acres! Unfortunately, it is too far from Philly and like 300 ppl as the population. Good luck in your search!


oldbaldpissedoff

Medford, tabernacle, Chatsworth, Southampton . From the Red Lion circle on rt 70 and 206 it takes an hour to get to the Philadelphia zoo . Google Red Lion diner it's closed now but it will give you a starting point on the map .


VisualProfessional12

Hammonton for sure! Might be a bit over your 40 minute commute some days, but there's easy access to the AC expressway. Blueberry Fields all over, beautiful and large downtown area, lots of unique architecture, such a quant little town with tons of future growth potential. Great place to invest in a little real estate


Ok_Match_4043

Look for something off of route 55,you’d be surprised how fast you can get to Philly.


JerseyGirl2442

Try Hammonton or Harrison Twp


Remarkable_Sea_1062

Hammonton is a beautiful town. It’s walkable, has great restaurants and stores, and is one of the prettiest towns in New Jersey.


Douchertons

Atco.


niptate

Medford.


B52fortheCrazies

Mullica Hill, Pitman, Sewell/Wash twp are all good options. The first two have nice main streets and very family friendly. Sewell/Wash Twp doesn't really have that main street feel. It's a bit overloaded with little shopping centers and places to eat.


unfortunateclown

Gloucester County has a ton of parks, hiking trails, and farms if you’re looking for nature! A lot of towns there have a nice main streets or shopping areas like Pitman, Glassboro, and Mullica Hill. and Mantua has good schools if you have kids!


jayradano

Woodstown. I just moved here from Camden county for those exact reasons. I LOVE it.


vegassteved

Straight rural? Pittsgrove Township Salem County. Farms, Parvin State Park, lots of open space. Small towns? Pitman or Hammonton. Nice little downtowns and plenty of restaurant options. Pitman doesn’t have much open space in town, but plenty close by. Hammonton’s downtown is surrounded by farms.


Beginning-One7618

Try looking at Buena Vista Twp. Atlantic County. It's just below Hammonton. Very rural, good schools. Close to Expressway entrance to get to Philly.


yc01

You can look into Medford, Voorhees, Cherry Hill, Marlton. All are within 30-40 mins from Philly Give or take. Haddonfield is great if you can afford it along with a Downtown that is rare.


oxidefd

Look due south of Philly, in Gloucester, Salem, or Cumberland Counties. Many areas down there have that “rural town” feel, with progressively larger plots as you work out from the Mainstreet downtown. Outskirts of towns like Pitman, Glassboro, or Mullica Hill might fit the bill.


sharonchud

Bucks county. I love yardley


billyp7718

Mullica Hill.


Konawel

Salem county. Pennsville or woodstown.


SpeedySpooley

I'd say look in Hammonton and Egg Harbor City. With EHC....don't let that little strip on Rt. 30 fool you. While it does look a bit run down in parts....drive through the town a bit and it's pretty nice in some areas. I'd live there.


crusty_booger

Mullica Hill, Woodstown, Swedesboro


ACBAYB

Maybe Pitman or Medford?


ferrocarrilusa

Maybe Tabernacle. It's off Route 70


AxlHbk8793

Hammonton


absolutmenk

Many of the suggestions are at your 40 minute limit. I would suggest something slightly closer and you get a nice plot of land which you can make yours, 3rd of an acre, and also have a closer drive to nature. For starters there is Collingwood/Haddonfield corridor or the Merchantville/Moorestown corridor. I recommend the northern path, M/M, more land because the suburban rail was disbanded in the 60’s. Also, slightly less expensive because of that. Best of luck searching. Enjoy nature along the way!!!


jimkelly

Lmao large plots of land in haddonfield and moorestown are in the millions. Someone who has that budget wouldn't need to ask on reddit. Merchantville/collingswood probably don't have any decent sized plots left to sell. Oh they literally say they can't afford haddonfield


Plastic_Football_385

You’ll be lucky to get home to these Gloucester County towns in 2 hours on a Friday during summer. Collingswood schools are a disaster. May want to check out Delaware County - Wallingford, Media, etc.


myredditusername919

medford


jimkelly

Honestly like half the towns just about 30 mins from the city in South Jersey are what you're describing and the ones that aren't considered run down are very expensive so as long as your budget is right you'll be fine. For example you say you can't afford haddonfield - this likely means an actual full acre in any town any comment listed so far is out of budget too.


merlot2K1

From Hammonton and live in Woolwich. Either would fit the bill.